OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOKRAJHAR: Nedan Foundation, an NGO based in Kokrajhar, has a long history of working against human trafficking, rescuing and giving shelter to destitute children. The NGO recently rescued a rape victim and gave her shelter in the Destination Girls' Home at Onthai Gwlao in Kokrajhar.
Talking to this reporter, the president of Nedan Foundation, DigambarNarzary said that Lakhi (name changed), a 12-year old girl belonging to a very poor family of Jitpur village in Kokrajhar district, was rescued recently and brought to the home destination. He said that a few years back her father had passed away making her mother the only bread earner of the family. "Due to poor economic condition it was very difficult for a single mother to look after all the six members of the family. This compelled her to send three of her children to different relatives' house," he said, adding that Lakhi was also sent to her uncle's place at Joygaon, Lungchung forest village to continue her studies. He said that during Durga Puja, Lakhi came home and stayed for a few days with her mother but on October 26 night when she was on her way back home after attending VijayaDashami celebration in a nearby place, she was abducted and gang raped by five men from her locality.
Narzary said an FIR was lodged in Kokrajhar police station bearing case registered no.637/2020, under section 376(DA) IPC/R/W section 6 of POCSO Act. The arrested persons were identified as Krishna Murmu (25), BaburamMurmu (19), LakhanMurmu (26), SakhalHasda (21) and SupalHembrom (30).
The NGO, Nedan Foundation, along with ChildlineKokrajhar, helped the victim and her family in the legal process of getting justice. She was produced to Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Kokrajhar and medical test was done in RN Brahma Civil Hospital, Kokrajhar. He said the girl was provided permanent shelter in Destination Girl's Home, OnthaiGwlao and would be re-enrolled in school. She is also receiving psychological counseling from Nedan Foundation, he said, adding that the NGO would provide free education up to Class XII, besides giving shelter at the Destination Girls' Home.